West Australian Liberal MP Don Randall is being hailed a passionate champion for his state and a friend to many on both sides of politics.
Mr Randall, the federal member for Canning, died after being found unresponsive in his car near Boddington Golf Club in WA's south just before 3pm on Tuesday.
Paramedics attended but he could not be revived.
It's understood he suffered a heart attack.
Mr Randall was one of two MPs behind the failed spill motion against Prime Minister Tony Abbott in February, saying at the time his electorate was concerned about the leader.
The prime minister on Tuesday hailed him an "outstanding" local member who was a passionate and persuasive advocate in Canberra.
"He was a mentor to many and integral to the success of our party in the state of Western Australia," Mr Abbott said in a statement.
Fellow West Australian, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop praised Mr Randall's dedication to promoting the interests of their state.
"Don had a giant personality and approached each day with great enthusiasm," she said.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said Mr Randall was liked on both sides of parliament and was counted as a friend by many within the Labor Party.
"He was a thoroughly good and decent bloke," he said in a statement.
Mr Randall served as the member for Canning since 2001 and was re-elected to the marginal seat four times.
From 1996 to 1998 he held the seat of Swan.
He on occasion made headlines for controversial comments, including calling public broadcaster ABC "Gay BC" and accusing the mining industry of being "pussy-whipped" by Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
Mr Randall also came under scrutiny in 2013 for a $5200 tax-payer funded trip to Cairns with his wife, shortly before purchasing an investment property in the region.
The MP paid back the money but insisted he had acted within the rules.
Mr Abbott, then the opposition leader, backed his MP and refused to bow to calls for his resignation.
Federal ministers took to Twitter to express their grief on Tuesday evening, with Treasurer Joe Hockey saying he was "shocked and devastated" to hear the news.
Deputy Prime Minister and National Party leader Warren Truss hailed Mr Randall a "great champion" of his electorate and WA.
Liberal Senator Chris Back also paid tribute to his party colleague, saying Mr Randall was a fighter and a straight shooter.
Between 2007 and 2010, Mr Randall held shadow parliamentary secretary roles to the opposition leader and in energy, roads and local government.
He served on several committees including the legal and constitutional affairs and privileges committee.
Mr Randall's death sets up a by-election in his marginal seat.
Stan Sherry, a local farmer and manager of the Boddington Golf Club, said on Tuesday he saw two women handing out pamphlets for Mr Randall outside the local supermarket "as politicians do" while visiting their electorate on Tuesday.
He heard of his death 45 minutes later.
"I'm like everyone - I'm shocked," Mr Sherry told AAP.
"He's a fine man."
Mr Sherry said Mr Randall did a lot for the town of Boddington, including helping out with the rodeo, which he used to take part in.
He said locals had heard the MP died of a heart attack.
Prior to his election to the House of Representatives, Mr Randall was a teacher, horse trainer and local councillor.
He is survived by his wife Julie and two children.
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